Raiders vs. Chargers Odds, Spread, Preview: NFL Week 1 Predictions

Raiders vs. Chargers Week 1 matchup preview and current betting lines

The much-anticipated battle for the 2022 AFC West begins with all four teams having impressive NFL Week 1 odds of making the playoffs. But more likely than not, at least one of these teams will miss the tournament.

It was the final game of the 2021 regular season between the Chargers and Raiders that decided the final playoff spot with the Raiders taking it in overtime. The Chargers reloaded with defensive reinforcements in Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson.

The Raiders have countered by trading for star receiver Davante Adams from Green Bay and inking sack master Chandler Jones to a deal that will pair him up with Maxx Crosby.

We haven’t even mentioned Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, the only player in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. He converted six fourth downs in Week 18 in Las Vegas to send that game to the final play in overtime.

These division games are going to be must-see TV this season. The Raiders vs. Chargers odds of making the playoffs favor Los Angeles, but it needs to defend home field and win this one.

Players to watch in the Raiders vs. Chargers game

Las Vegas Raiders

Hunter Renfrow: For all the hype surrounding Davante Adams coming to Vegas, it could be Hunter Renfrow who leads the team in receiving if Josh McDaniels uses him like he used Wes Welker in New England. Renfrow already caught 103 balls last year, but things could get even better with Adams drawing coverage away from Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller.

Los Angeles Chargers

Khalil Mack: Coming over from Chicago, Mack did not have his best stuff in 2021, but he should love playing across from Joey Bosa, the best pass rusher the Chargers have had in a decade. Pairing these two together should give legitimacy to a defense that hates to blitz. Mack also won’t pass up the opportunity to make the Raiders look bad for trading him years ago.

Our Best NFL Bets for the Raiders vs. Chargers game

We have two NFL Week 1 predictions we really like for this AFC West showdown.

Raiders vs. Chargers Spread Pick: Chargers -3 (-120)

The Raiders vs. Chargers spread has consistently seen the Chargers as a 3.5-point home favorite this week, though bet365 NJ is a sportsbook with Chargers -3 going into the weekend. Either way, we figure the game should be tight as these teams are fairly matched. These teams split last year with the home team winning each game.

But we favor the Chargers as this could be a special year for Herbert, who has some of the best MVP odds going into Week 1. Not only do we prefer Herbert at quarterback, but the Las Vegas secondary might be the weakest key position group in this matchup. The better quarterback at home exploiting the weaker secondary? That is enough to back the Chargers in this one.

A loss could be devastating for the team’s confidence as it tries to get back to the playoffs and tries to win the AFC West for the first time since the 2009 season.

Be sure to check our NFL picks page for more betting information.

Player Prop: Hunter Renfrow Over 5.5 Receptions (+120)

Like we said earlier, this could be an even more special season for Renfrow if he assumes the Wes Welker/Julian Edelman role in a Josh McDaniels offense. He already caught at least six balls in 11 of 18 games last season. While he only had four catches in the last game against the Chargers for 13 yards, two of them were touchdowns.

There is some concern that Derek Carr won’t put up big numbers in this game since he has one 300-yard passing game in 16 matchups with the Chargers. He has not passed for 200 yards in his last four games against the Chargers, though he left one of those early with injury.

But we trust McDaniels to get the best out of Carr, and Renfrow being heavily involved is one way to make that happen this week. That is why Renfrow going over 5.5 receptions is our NFL bet of the week.